Diocese of Norwich launches degree in Youth Ministry

The Diocese of Norwich has launched a new three year Undergraduate Training Scheme offering students a paid placement in youth ministry within the Diocese whilst studying for a degree at Ridley Hall College.

The Diocese of Norwich has announced that it is collaborating with Ridley Hall College in Cambridge to offer a three-year Undergraduate Degree in Youth Ministry. The scheme enables students to study for a BA (Honours) degree in Theology, Ministry and Mission whilst gaining practical experience being employed by local churches and earning whilst doing it.

As well as helping school leavers and mature students explore their calling, the scheme is also a way to increase and improve outreach to secondary age young people in the Diocese of Norwich, a need which has been identified as a priority.

Current placements on offer include a School Chaplain in Thorpe St Andrew, a Trainee with the Thetford Youth Project and a Trainee Youth Minister in Aylsham.

Jonathan Richardson, Children, Youth and Families Development Officer for the Diocese said: “This is an exciting opportunity, not only for the students but also for churches. The project focuses on High School catchment areas rather than traditional Parish and Deanery boundaries, meaning that churches involved in the scheme will be working together in new ways.

“It also enables churches in rural areas to jointly grow a youth ministry resource, when they might otherwise struggle. Because of the three-year duration, churches and schools will have the time to develop longer-term plans that can make the work sustainable and lead to full-time positions being created.

“We hope that the scheme will give students practical first-hand experience of working with young people in a parish and local high school and will give the students the time, space and experience to explore their calling.”

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